Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R,C,I – Elma) reminded Western New York homeowners today that new registration requirements for the Basic STAR exemption for school property taxes have gone into effect and all homeowners seeking the Basic STAR Property Tax Exemption in 2014 must register for the property tax break with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.

“The Basic STAR property tax exemption program is a vital tool to keep homeownership in New York State accessible and affordable for all families. I have worked hard through this year’s budget process to increase and improve the STAR program, but because of a recent New York State Comptroller’s report highlighting increased instances of fraud within the Basic STAR program, it was important to institute new safeguards. I encourage any homeowner with questions or concerns to contact my office for assistance,” the Senator said.

The registration period began August 15, 2013 and is open through November 30, 2013. The new registration process is part of an initiative against fraudulent STAR exemptions. Homeowners are only required to register once and will not have to re-register each successive year they claim the exemption.

New York State Department of Taxation and Finance will be mailing notifications to homeowners later this month with information needed to register. Homeowners seeking to take advantage of the Basic STAR property tax exemption can then register online, by telephone or through traditional paper application.

Senior citizens who receive Enhanced STAR are not impacted by the new registration requirements.